Spotlight on… James Grigg

What first attracted you to a career in law?

I had an incredible law lecturer at A-level, with an infectious passion and enthusiasm for the law, combined with an amazing sense of humour – the law and a sense of humour are not mutually exclusive after all!

What type of legal advice do you provide and to what sorts of clients?

I still deal with all aspects of family law following the breakdown of a relationship – whether in relation to money or children issues. The only change as my hair falls out and goes grey, is that the net worth of the client has gone up!

What is your most memorable legal experience and why?

Acting for a client in a case concerning frozen embryos. It was pro bono from start to finish. It went from High Court, Court of Appeal, House of Lords (as it then was), ECHR and the Grand Chamber. A fascinating case, which generated a lot of press interest at the time. A steep learning curve and probably the only time I will ever feature on GMTV, Radio 2, Radio 4 and the first story on the Big Ben “bong” for News at 10 on the same day! I am sure my mum still has the press cuttings and VHS recordings – and yes it was that long ago!

What is your number 1 top tip for clients?

With acting in a fair and collaborative way being a given, my one top tip is – be proportionate!